Why Districts Choose AETN PBS TeacherLine

How can PBS TeacherLine courses enhance professional development in my district?

Provide choice:

Individual teachers may have professional development needs that are unique within the district, such as a course in linear functions that only a couple of teachers in a district may teach. With PBS TeacherLine, districts can help their teachers select courses they need to improve their skills in the classroom.

Provide standardization:

A district or school can help enroll a cohort of its educators in a course that meets the school's strategic objectives �such as incorporating curriculum mapping in induction�without the need for in-service days or substitute teachers.

Why Districts Choose PBS TeacherLine

Ensures quality with research-based content and methodologies

Our courses, developed under a grant from the Department of Education, follow strategies that have met rigorous evaluation by an independent evaluator and incorporate best practices developed over six years.
All PBS TeacherLine courses have dedicated facilitators who stimulate participation, make online learning accessible for those new to the medium, and provide a crucial element of social interaction to online learning. This facilitated and discussion group format is based in social development theory in which learners' involvement in "communities of practice" allows learning to occur as a function of the activity and context. Our basis in situated learning theory distinguishes our courses from self-paced ones.
Our content is developed in collaboration with major professional organizations and leading experts in instructional strategies and content, such as NCTM and ISTE.
Our courses incorporate metacognition activities such as prior-reflection, self-monitoring and debriefing, drawing on constructivist theory and the "habits of mind" framework. Courses not only teach pedagogical theories, they utilize them.
All of our courses include guidance in modifying teachers' instructional approach to meet the needs of diverse learners.

Helps districts meet NCLB requirements

The NCLB's definition of "professional development" (Title IX, Part A) specifies activities that are "high quality, sustained, intensive and classroom-focused in order to have a positive and lasting impact on classroom instruction and the teacher's performance in the classroom." Our six-week courses encourage learners to incorporate their professional development into their classroom practices. In particular, Classroom Link courses ask learners to implement lessons with their class or with a small group of students, and then reflect on the activity.
NCLB "Enhancing Education Through Technology" (Title II, Part D) requires that every student be technologically literate by the time he or she finishes eighth grade. Our Technology Strategy (TECH) courses help educators incorporate technology into the classroom, from using the Internet for research to using the computer in the classroom. Also, all PBS TeacherLine courses, even content area courses, include the rich use of technology within the course (video, interactives, etc.) to improve learning and introduce teachers to how technology can be used in instruction.

Offers districts and schools flexibility and savings

More than 90 courses in core concepts of mathematics, reading, instructional technologies, curriculum mapping, instructional strategies, and science allow a district or school to provide a broad range of courses from one source.
The online format accommodates both individuals and groups in multiple locations, eliminating the need for substitutes and special training facilities.
Because of a grant from the Department of Education, pre-selected AETN PBS TeacherLine courses are FREE!

Provides a structured format for learning

Courses are led by facilitators with master's degrees who have content expertise and skills certified through our specially developed Online Facilitation Training (OFT). Facilitators are trained to guide a constructivist use of discussions, and to support development of a professional community of practice.
Facilitators provide feedback and assessment against clearly stated objectives to maximize teacher learning and subsequent impact in the classroom.

Helps educators meet their professional development goals

Most districts allow teachers to apply PBS TeacherLine courses towards professional development points (PDPs), continuing education units (CEUs) and graduate credits.

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